RuneScape developer turning focus to other projects
Lack of success forces closure of browser-based MMO 8Realms
A rough economy continues to have an impact on game development studios worldwide and this time Jagex is feeling the heat. According to a report from Develop the RuneScape developer is shutting down its browser-based MMORTS 8Realms. This news comes after only a little more than a year since its closed beta was released.
As a result of the closure of the game, a number of the staff are expected to lose their jobs while others will be shuffled into other teams throughout the company. On the topic of the cancellation, vice president of RuneScape Daniel Clough said, “During the 8Realms beta it has become clear that the game doesn’t meet our high expectations for success and we are therefore channelling our focus on other exciting opportunities in the pipeline.”
According to a Develop source “8Realms only managed to attract ten per cent of the user figures needed to turn a profit.”
8Realms is one of the first MMORTS games developed internally at Jagex. Gameplay requires players to research and construct buildings in order to advance to the next age. In order to reach 100 per cent completion players must obtain full culture and build a wonder, such as the Taj Mahal.
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